Agnes Plagens

Agnes Marie Plagens passed away peacefully in her home on July 8, surrounded by family, dear caregivers, fresh lavender from her garden, and a cardinal singing outside her window. She was 93 and beautiful. Agnes was born on December 4, 1927, in Grand Rapids Michigan, to Genevive and Milton Atwood. She was the oldest of six children. In 1952, after a brief stint in Los Angeles, she returned to Holland Michigan to marry Cass John Plagens. Cass adored his Aggie. Agnes cherished Cass. The couple lived in Grosse Pointe and Farmington Hills. They had four children: Betsy, Chris, Mary, and Lorrie. They moved to Traverse City in 1970, settling on the Old Mission Peninsula where they developed the Quaker Valley North neighborhood. Agnes worked as a realtor. She later enjoyed many years volunteering at the Father Fred Foundation and Meals on Wheels. Agnes was a woman of uncommon clarity and compassion. Independent and self-assured, she lived quietly, purposefully, graciously. A lifelong Catholic with a strong inner compass, Agnes radiated goodness. Her bright eyes sparkled when she smiled. To be in her presence was a gift. Immune to the trivial and superficial, Agnes delighted in the natural world. For years, she tended to the gardens at Saint Joseph Catholic Church and Immaculate Conception. Her personal garden was her sanctuary and you could find her out there—pulling weeds or clipping flowers—right up until the very end. When asked what she was most proud of, Agnes said, “My children. And of course my wonderful grandchildren and terrific great-grandchildren.” Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, Cass; her siblings, George and Kathleen; and her beloved dog and constant companion, Annie, who passed away in April. She is survived by her siblings, Robert, Joyce (Thorpe), and Judy (Mann); her four children, Betsy (Dave) Olson, Chris (Barb) Plagens, Mary (Brad) Fischer, and Lorrie (Steve) Simon; her 10 grandchildren, Dan (Katie), Katie, and Ryan Fischer, Kelly (Scott) Kramper, Nick and Liz Olson, Sarah (Adam) Clark, Connor and Allison Plagens, Julia Zegerius; and her 11 great-grandchildren. While Agnes loved flowers, she would hate the idea of anyone buying them for her now. Instead, if you see an errant weed, pull it and think affectionately of her. Or consider a donation to The Father Fred Foundation. Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Church Saturday July 17 at 11:00am. Visitation starts at 10:00am.

Agnes Plagens

December 4, 1927 - July 8, 2021